Statement from Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith re: Marriage Equality Legislation

“The momentum is shifting- marriage equality will be a reality in New York and I welcome that day. Today, it will be passed by the Assembly, and I congratulate Speaker Silver, Assemblyman O’Donnell and their colleagues for a noteworthy achievement.
 
It is my goal to realize that same accomplishment in the Senate and as a strong supporter of marriage equality legislation, I will continue to work until we have sufficient votes to pass it.
 
Marriage equality is about equal rights and basic personal freedom that no person should ever be denied. I remain steadfast in my commitment to protecting those rights and ensuring that all New Yorkers can enjoy a privilege which is fundamentally theirs.”